Mali bring cheer with Africa Cup of Nations progress

Mali football fans, some significantly sporting hats in French colors, follow their team at the Nations Cup in South Africa.

Story highlights

Mali draw 1-1 with Democratic Republic of Congo to qualify for last eight of Nations Cup

Ghana top Group B after thumping Niger 3-0 in Port Elizabeth

Mali to meet hosts South Africa in quarterfinals, while Ghana will meet Cape Verde

Mali's footballers brought some welcome relief to their compatriots when drawing 1-1 with the Democratic Republic of Congo to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations quarterfinals.

The point in Durban enabled the West Africans to go through in second place, behind Group B winners Ghana who outclassed Niger 3-0 in Port Elizabeth.

On a day when French-led troops took hold of the historic city of Timbuktu as Mali authorities continue their battle to loosen Islamist militants' grip on the country's north, the team nicknamed the Eagles booked their place in the last eight.

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After Mali opened their Group B campaign with a 1-0 over group outsiders Niger, former Barcelona star Keita wore a T-shirt with the words "Peace for Mali" as he gathered his man of the match award.

At the 2012 finals, Mali's most decorated footballer -- who boasts three Spanish La Liga titles and two European Champions League medals among other trophies -- had broken down in tears as Islamists took control of the north of his country amidst fierce fighting.

During a news conference in South Africa earlier this month, the Eagles captain announced his desire for one of Mali's allies --- "be it France or our neighbors" -- to return order to the north of the country as quickly as possible.

He had also mentioned that the Islamist militants' ban on watching sports on television, among other measures such as outlawing music and smoking, meant that some people in the north would have been unable to gain relief from the conflict by following the Eagles in South Africa.

"Our country is in one of the most difficult moments of its history," he said after Monday's draw with the Congolese.

"Malians are regaining control of the north and our qualification will bring joy to the people. I am very proud."

While Mali will seek to reach the semifinals for the second tournament in a row against Bafana Bafana in Durban, Ghana will face high fliers Cape Verde in Saturday's first quarterfinal.